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The names have become familiar in recent years.

Caitlin Connell, Anna Dean, Whitley Kennedy, Skyler Lowe, William Wright and Alex Martinez are just a few of the student-athletes whose names have been appearing weekly in our sports section for their accomplishments for the Winder-Barrow High School cross country program.

Cross country, probably as much as any sport, demands self dedication. It’s not for everyone. You don’t compete in front of a packed stadium or gym. You often are on your own as you make your way through a course which features hills and other rugged terrain. [Full Story »] 

After a week’s break from competing, the Winder-Barrow High School cross country teams will be back in action this weekend.

The Bulldoggs and Lady Bulldoggs will travel to McDonough for the Battle of Atlanta event. The varsity boys will race at 8 a.m. followed by the varsity girls at 9 a.m. Junior varsity races will follow.

“There will be a very strong field of runners,” said WBHS coach Michael Lofton. “Some of the top schools in the state will be there. We are hoping for a top 10 finish.” [Full Story »] 

The long trip to Savannah produced positive results for the Winder-Barrow High School cross country program.

Both the Bulldoggs and Lady Bulldoggs won first place during the Saucony Fleet Feet Cross Country Kickoff Saturday.

“We had an excellent performance from all of our runners,” said WBHS boys coach Michael Lofton. “I was thrilled with how we ran and showed up on the scoreboard. The course is long and had open stretches. It had rained for two days and we knew it would be a muddy event.” [Full Story »] 

The Winder-Barrow High School cross country teams are looking to continue their success of recent seasons when they begin the 2012 season later this month in Savannah.

Coach Michael Lofton said the runners have been busy getting in shape in recent weeks and have now moved into official preseason practice.
“In May, the runners were logging ‘easy’ mileage and have been increasing their totals each week,” the coach said. “Several of our runners have been very dedicated this offseason. We haven’t had specific workouts but those will begin once we get into the school year.”

The program lost some key seniors from a season ago but there is plenty of returning talent. Senior Alex Martinez has been focused this summer, his coach said, and working on getting faster. [Full Story »] 

Amanda Cope has done it again.

The Winder-Barrow High School cross country standout finished ninth overall at the AAAA state meet Saturday in Carrollton. While Cope was somewhat disappointed by her time, her finish of 19:52 was good enough to crack the Top 10.

“She felt her time was slow, but all of the times were slower,” said WBHS coach Michael Lofton. “Going into state, there were 12 runners who had times of 18 minutes but only two of them did Saturday. It is frustrating to finish the season at the toughest course.” [Full Story »] 

For Amanda Cope and the Winder-Barrow High School girls cross country team, it was the same song, only a different verse for a different season.

The Lady Bulldoggs won their third consecutive Region 8-AAAA title in Conyers Saturday while Cope once again won the individual region honor. Cope (19:54) was way out in front of the pack with her closest competitor being teammate Caitlin Connell, who finished second in 20:10, helping WBHS to another region crown.

Whitley Kennedy (20:31) was third overall at region while Anna Dean (20:52) was fifth, just missed out on fourth place. Winder-Barrow’s Isabel Martin (22:44) was 18th overall while Amber Duffey was 20th in 22:51. [Full Story »] 

The Winder-Barrow High School Lady Bulldogg cross country team will go for their third region title in as many seasons Saturday when they compete at the International Horse Park in Conyers.

In addition, standout runner Amanda Cope will seek her third individual region title in as many seasons.

Coach Michael Lofton said the Lady Bulldoggs are predicted to be at the top again although Flowery Branch will likely be strong competition. The Lady Falcons defeated WBHS by a point in the first meet of the 2011 season. [Full Story »] 

After an open date this past weekend, the Winder-Barrow High School cross country teams return to action Saturday when they compete in the ASICS Invitational hosted by Alexander High School.

The event will be at the McIntosh Nature Preserve in Whitesburg, near Carrollton.

WBHS coach Michael Lofton said in scouting the event he noticed several quality programs are scheduled to appear including Lakeside Evans, John’s Creek, Grady, Archer and Paulding County. [Full Story »] 

Michael Lofton believes in hard work and preparation.

The Winder-Barrow High School cross country coach also believes in having fun. [Full Story »]